This bill introduces significant reforms to the governance and operational standards of charter schools in New Jersey. It defines a charter management organization as a nonprofit entity managing one or more charter schools and mandates a compensation study to compare salaries of top employees with those in public school districts. The bill requires that at least 51% of the teaching staff and parents or guardians support the establishment of a charter school through a petition. It also emphasizes transparency by mandating public notice of charter applications, annual reports, and the maintenance of a public website with detailed operational information. Additionally, it prohibits charter schools from contracting with for-profit entities and requires all employees to hold appropriate New Jersey certification.

Further amendments enhance oversight by requiring the Commissioner of Education to conduct comprehensive evaluations of charter schools every five years and to assess compliance with laws and overall satisfaction among stakeholders. The bill also introduces governance requirements, such as anti-nepotism policies for board members and the prohibition of non-disclosure agreements in employment practices. It mandates that charter management organizations adhere to the School Ethics Act and comply with the Open Public Records Act, ensuring greater accountability and transparency in their operations. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen the charter school system in New Jersey by improving governance, transparency, and accountability.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:36A-4, 18A:36A-5, 18A:36A-10, 18A:36A-14, 18A:36A-16, 18A:36A-17, 18A:12-33